“The Everyday Wardrobe” workshop with MAX&Co.
Step inside the last creative collaboration between Domus Academy and MAX&Co. that brought student talent to the forefront of fashion innovation.
In one of our last academic collaborations, we partnered with MAX&Co. for The Everyday Wardrobe workshop, an immersive experience designed to connect students with the essence of the brand. This initiative allowed students of the Master in Fashion Design to explore the MAX&Co. universe, envisioning and creating a capsule collection that reflects its rich heritage and core values.
Throughout the workshop, participants delved into the brand’s DNA, analysing its aesthetic codes and contemporary vision. Their challenge was to design a Spring/Summer 2027 collection consisting of six complete looks, carefully researching silhouettes, details, accessories, colours, and fabrics. With a strong emphasis on creativity and strategic thinking, students worked on translating their concepts into cohesive and market-ready fashion proposals.
The workshop, which began on February 17 was enriched by direct input from MAX&Co.’s creative team, who guided students through the complexities of brand identity and product development. The experience culminated on March 20 with a final showcase – a runway presentation held in Domus Academy’s newly inaugurated building.
Gianfranco Olivotto, Programme Leader of the Master in Fashion Design, emphasised the value of the collaboration with MAX&Co., highlighting how it provided students with a hands-on experience that seamlessly blended creativity with industry realities. He described the project as “an invaluable opportunity” for students to engage with the fashion industry’s dynamics and develop a design approach aligned with market expectations. Throughout the workshop, participants worked as a team, navigating the workflow of a real design office and learning to balance creative expression with professional constraints. We structure our workshops to prepare students for corporate environments, assigning them clear roles and responsibilities while fostering “a deep understanding of the fashion business”.
Among the 22 collection concepts developed by the students of the Master in Fashion Design, we had the chance to explore two examples of the many diverse creative approaches realised during the workshop.
One of these, Her Italian Romance, was conceived by Sheetal Sunit Bhat and tells the story of a young woman who moves to Milan to chase her dreams. As she experiences life on her own for the first time, she falls in love and gradually begins incorporating pieces from her boyfriend’s wardrobe into her everyday style. The collection reflects this personal journey, blending vintage influences, Italian elegance, and “collegiate inspiration” with a romantic, playful, and feminine touch. It serves as “a love letter to her new life, celebrating her Italian romance and the joy of self-discovery through fashion”.
Another concept, developed by Yohta Naruse, reinterprets 1990s minimalism by infusing it with artisanal elements and distinctive details. Wanting to soften the cool, almost distant aesthetic of ‘90s fashion, the student incorporated handcrafted embroidery, leather logo patches, and Italian-inspired accent colours such as pistachio green and vibrant orange. The result is a “youthful and inviting take on minimalist design” that balances simplicity with a sense of warmth and craftsmanship.
This collaboration reaffirmed our commitment to fostering young designers, providing students with a dynamic and professional environment where they can express their creativity, refine their skills, and gain firsthand experience in the fashion industry.